Coinbase has reportedly opened a new account registration pathway for eligible users in mainland China, according to information shared by Wu Blockchain. Coinbase staff reportedly confirmed that eligible users can now complete identity verification with a Chinese national identification card and a mainland China residential address.
Earlier registration rules required applicants to submit a Chinese passport along with a Hong Kong address before completing identity checks. Under the updated process, applicants can use documents linked directly to mainland China, making account registration available to a wider group of eligible users.
The report has gained attention because the registration process had remained more restrictive for mainland applicants for years. Although the update changes identity verification requirements, it does not suggest any broader return by Coinbase to cryptocurrency trading activities inside mainland China.
Coinbase Registration Update Supports Global Expansion Strategy
The reported update was viewed by market participants as a positive sign for Coinbase’s international expansion plans. However, the report also noted that easier registration should not be seen as confirmation of a full return to the Chinese cryptocurrency market.
Competition among cryptocurrency exchanges has continued to grow as user adoption expands across many regions. The report suggested that broader registration access could help Coinbase attract more international customers while continuing to comply with the company’s requirements.
China Restrictions Remain Despite Update
Mainland China has maintained cryptocurrency trading bans and exchange shutdown measures since 2021. Meanwhile, the report said Coinbase operates under separate compliance requirements for its United States and international markets.
Coinbase appears to be using wider registration access to support customer growth and wallet services rather than local cryptocurrency trading. At the same time, mainland China continues to maintain its existing trading restrictions.
In addition, competing exchanges, including OKX, Huobi, and Binance, could face added pressure to strengthen identity verification and compliance systems following the update. Broader registration access may also increase demand for wallet and custody services, while liquidity remains outside mainland China.
Coinbase Expands Regulated Global Services
Coinbase’s latest registration update comes as the company continues its wider international expansion. Earlier in the month, the company secured a regulatory licence in the United Kingdom, allowing stock and derivatives offerings alongside cryptocurrency products under a regulated structure.
Coinbase said the UK authorization allows the company to expand its product offerings under a regulated framework. Latest developments also show Coinbase continues widening regulated services across multiple jurisdictions while expanding account access where permitted under its compliance rules.
